New APlus store introduces impressive fresh food lineup. Community leaders, customers and neighbors today helped Sunoco celebrate the opening of its newest APlus location with custom-crafted sandwiches and specialty beverages, including fresh cappuccino, lattes and smoothies hand-made by our local baristas. North Charleston Mayor Keith Summey, flanked by city council and county council members and

Under 200 calories, and with 13 grams of protein and just five grams of fat, the new sandwich is made with light, fluffy egg whites and topped with creamy cheddar cheese and Canadian bacon, served between two whole-wheat English muffins. While many better-for-you menus tout items below 500, 400 and 300 calories, 7-Eleven Inc. breaks

Customizable options and combo opportunities are creating exciting new options across the foodservice category. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor Pizza remains among one of the most demanded foodservice options anywhere in the country. But it’s also one of the most competitive menu options. Customers are demanding high quality toppings and more exciting varieties in their

Shortly after McDonald’s revamped its Dollar Menu, Burger King offers tasty sandwiches for $1. Burger King has launched a revamp to its value member with King Deals, the Los Angeles Times reported. The King Deals offering includes more than 20 items that are priced starting at $1. The list includes the new Rodeo Crispy

Hot water is an essential part of any foodservice operation, but space can be an issue. The Wilbur Curtis Co. has introduced the new G3 Five Gallon Narrow Hot Water Dispenser with Aeration. With its slender base and feature-packed design, this new dispenser can take its rightful place on even the most crowded foodservice counter.

Key demographics offer opportunity for foodservice growth. The U.S. restaurant industry has enjoyed modest growth in the past few years, and Mintel estimates sales of $438 billion in 2013, as well as a 5.9% increase in sales in 2014. Five key trends identified by Julia Gallo-Torres, category manager, US foodservice reports at Mintel, are set

If c-stores can continue enhancing quality and service, they can pull traffic away from restaurants, notes Technomic. What do consumers look for in convenience-store foodservice? According to feedback in a recent Technomic study, the answer is more than a matter of convenience. “Due to location and speed of service, c-stores are always going to be

First franchise location—highlighting Champs Chicken’s best practices—opens in Missouri. Since its inception, Champs Chicken has prided itself on consistent product quality, brand recognition and retailer profitability. After enjoying rapid growth with over 520 branded food locations in 29 states, the company has taken steps to ensure these attributes continue to thrive in all locations. Champs

Marriner Marketing adjusts site to maximize viewing content on any device. Knouse Foods, an established grower-owned fruit cooperative that sells its products under the Musselman’s and Lucky Leaf brands, in partnership with Marriner Marketing Communications, has announced the successful re-launch of its foodservice Website: www.knousefoodservice.com. Designed with culinary professionals in mind, the updated site provides

Retailers have until April 1 to apply for food safety certification reimbursement. The next application deadline for the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA) Food Safety Certification Reimbursement Program is April 1, 2014, for training completed Jan. 1–Feb. 28. The IDDBA reimburses a portion of expenses to IDDBA-member retailer companies that certify dairy, deli, and bakery department-level

Sandwiches are usually the first taste consumers get of your foodservice program, so it had better be love at first bite. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. It was a true David and Goliath moment when Altoona-Pa.-based Sheetz, with 437 locations in six states, recently blocked a bid by Subway, the world’s largest fast food chain

From developing a greater marketing presence with mobile apps and refining your fresh food focus to dealing with Obamacare, c-stores are facing a challenging 12 months. By Erin Rigik and Marilyn Odesser-Torpey. The retail market continues evolving at a rapid pace as 2013 proved to be a breakthrough year for the rise of mobile technology.

Updated equipment, a sizeable counter area and multiple brew flavors can help position your chain as a coffee destination. By Erin Rigik, Associate Editor. The competition for coffee customers continues to brew among the various channels, with convenience stores feeling increased pressure from Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts and numerous QSRs—even Walgreens’ new superstore prototype in Chicago

Busy Americans are increasingly going the grab-and-go route for lunch and dinner solutions. But even the most time-starved consumers have definite standards about what foods they will choose. By Marilyn Odesser-Torpey, Associate Editor. Grab and go is a close to $13 million category, with everyone from quick-service restaurants to pharmacies competing for share of stomach

Middleby Marshall has introduced the new PS360G conveyor oven with WOW! 2 technology. The new oven is designed for operators who want to replace their existing PS360/350 ovens with the same size bake chamber and updated cooking technologies. Upgrading from the PS360/350 oven to the new PS360G allows operators to cook 30% faster than standard

Hobart received top rankings from in the 2013 Best in Class Survey conducted by Foodservice Equipment and Supplies magazine. Hobart received the top ranking in the floor mixer and electric slicer categories of the 2013 Foodservice Equipment and Supplies survey of foodservice consultants, dealers and operators. “We are honored that these two products are ranked

Top issues include beverages, materials and sizes. This year’s Trends Report from the Foodservice Packaging Institute (FPI) reveals three key industry shifts: • Trend #1: It’s all about the beverages—and their packaging. Foodservice operators are turning to new and expanded beverage options to boost their bottom lines. That means paying more attention to beverage packaging.

The legislation “treats restaurants like restaurants and convenience stores like convenience stores,” says NACS senior vice president of government relations. The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) hailed legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate this week, the Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act (S.1756), as a thoughtful approach to providing the necessary flexibility and understanding of

Annual awards program recognizes outstanding leadership and innovation in food safety; nomination deadline is Feb. 14. NSF International, an organization committed to protecting and improving public health, has announced its first call for nominations for the 2014 Food Safety Leadership Awards (FSLA) Program. Well-respected in the food industry, this program recognizes individuals that demonstrate outstanding

In a Culinary Visions Panel survey that explored taste preferences of more than 500 consumers, sweet and salty flavors were the clear favorites. Smucker Foodservice combines these flavor profiles into its Smucker’s Maple Bacon Flavored Syrup to sweeten the tabletop options and add excitement to breakfast. With all the sweet, comforting taste of maple and

Lettieri’s new STACKER SQUARES are the perfect hand-held solution for anyone looking to start the day with a hearty breakfast. STACKER SQUARES possess a consistent out-of-the-oven flavor profile that appeals to c-store customers. Part of the secret for their success is the dough formulation that produces a buttery, flakey, pastry-like feel and texture. STACKER SQUARES

Expands presence in Memphis with 12 new locations. Dunkin’ Donuts has announced the signing of a multi-unit store development agreement with new franchise group, JP Foods LLC, to develop a dozen new restaurants throughout Memphis, Tenn. The first restaurant is expected to open in 2015 and the remainder by 2020. Together, this team led by

CPG Executive Tom Lavan to run growing packaged goods business for industry leader. AdvancePierre Foods has announced that Tom Lavan is the new president of its Retail division, which sells fully assembled sandwiches and value-added protein products to major grocery chains and club stores across the country. Lavan is a consumer packaged goods executive with

The demand for spicy flavors continues with 54% of consumers surveyed now preferring spicy condiments, dips and sauces. The most familiar, tried-and-true flavors may have impressive staying power on menus, but Technomic’s most recent flavor findings also signal the need for operators and suppliers to stay on top of flavor trends by reinvigorating classic offerings

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